Backcounty Hiking Trails in the Adirondacks:
Skidder Trail

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The Skidder Trail is a one-mile back country hiking trail connecting the northwest portion of the Easy Street Trail with the western side of the Logger’s Loop Trail. There is no interpretive signage. Hiking boots are recommended, due to the rough portions of the trail.

From the eastern (Easy Street) end, the Skidder Trial begins at a well-marked intersection by the Paul Smiths VIC Sugar Bush. The trail starts out as a shady woods road, passing through a deciduous forest. You will note the tubing connecting the Sugar Maples on your left.

The Skidder Trial then opens up into a recently-logged corridor through a mixed forest. The trail through the logged corridor has been recently reworked (fall 2013) to remove stumps; it has also been levelled. In summer, it is dotted with sun-loving wildflowers, such as St John’s Wort, Flat-topped White Aster, and Fringed Bindweed. The trail intersects with the Logger’s Loop Trail (at that point, a wide gravel logging road) in a clearing.

In the winter, the Skidder Trail becomes a skate trail. Follow the orange tree markers and signs.

The VIC trails are free and open to the public, from dawn to dusk, spring through fall. In winter, the trails are open to cross-country skiers and snowshoers for a fee. Day or season passes may be purchased.

This unofficial site celebrates the beauty of the scenic trails at the Paul Smith's College VIC. It is designed to provide detailed material on the plants and wildlife visitors can observe along each of the VIC's fourteen trails.